Hey there again my wonderful fans!!! what is up? ahha .......yea well
thats all I got... (ahem) so what was it I wanted to say? oh yes THANKS FOR
THE REVIEWS!!!!!! loved them haha ^-^ I might actually reach my 300 reviews
eh?....well anyways, I'm sorry for leaving the story at such a critical
point of time but hey it gave you people stuff to think about didn't it? (*
tomato's start flying) OKAY okay so I'll make it up to you guys, for you
s+s fans out there (I mean who isn't one?) this story will definitely be
interesting.....I know it will be for me HAHA ;p
*here are the singular responses I owed you ^-^ Thx you guys really are the best!
sprout- I tried to get this next chappie out as soon as possible, sorry for making you wait for so long! ^.^ Thanks!
Lugia-mew- you didn't cry did you? awwww thx that means so much to me.
AnimeObsessionFantasy- Yea Li did realize it didn't he? haha do ya think he thinks Sakura doesn't feel the same? it's so sad... o_0
Skylover- HEY!!! ahah you did comment a lot, I've noticed....THANKS! love ya!! u_@ your reviews in the past have been great and I appreciate them.
Shinsei Kokoro- do you really think my story is very good? *Kicks at the ground in modesty u_u* thx!
Geminikika1- HAHA *ahem* seems like it doesn't it? but maybe it won't end up that way...after all you can't predict the future...Thx for the review in the mean time!!!
kimi-chan- Yea! so there are poeple in this world who aren't DEAD PANS! woohoo...yes well I'm sure there are many others out there just like you *looks around* hope you enjoy this chapter ;P
Di- Hey what's up? guess you arent dead inside either haha not that I thought you were...anyways thx for the review LOVED IT! hope this next one lives up to your standards! 0_o
Yuki-rabbit- short and sweet, thx for the review and perhaps you'll like this chapter as much as the next! *hopefully* this one should be more calming haha.
christina- I hope I didn't take too long...blame it all on the homework *grumbles* no free time I swear! haha good to know you like the story though cause I sure love your reviews!
Corrine- Hey my fan! you're the best! awww am I really one of your favourite authors? that's is so nice!!!! you are definitely one of those people who keep me motivated in my writing! plz enjoy ;)
DespitefulSaint- IT IS SO SAD!! wahhhhh *SLAP* whew...back in control :p hope you find what you're looking for in this chappie!
Dragonstar03- Geez I know eh? GET IT ALL TOGETHER LI!!!!! *that man needs to get his priorities straight...* ya know you love her...go after HER!!!!! haha hopefully he will tho Dragonstar03 ^.^ keep your fingers crossed!
loveangelli- wow....HAHA! now that's what you call anger! yes, let it all out girl! ;) Emike is uhh..how do you put this? a bb..b..*sounds it out* bb...ba..baaa..d person isn't she? *Is this place censored?* oh well this chapter should make you happier! hope you still find my story interesting even if you hate this Emike person so much! haha @_@ thx for the review! love ya
Season sweetheart- Do you really think the story is getting better?! *YEA!!!!!* I'll try to make the chapters longer don't worry ;) Syaoran...hehe he is kinda ho...*ahem get yourself together* this chapter should very much please you I think...haha thx!
Drunken Little Monkey- Love the name! haha who wouldn't...thx for the review and hopefully you'll like this chapter u_@
Shima and Tempis- hehe how you doin? great that you've followed my story for so long! ya think vegeta and Li are alike? haha kinda I guess I see the likeness 0_o and yes Sakura does have to go through a lot of crap! *beat LI up!* but then all you guys seem to like Li a lot so I won't risk it...hah thx!
sheryl v- Hey!!! I loved your review!!! probably more than you love my story haha and I'm sorry for making you wait for so long!!! forgive me!!!! haha GOMEN!
lilazngrl4lyf89-Favour granted! haha hope this story is to your liking! hopefully you'll have the same reaction as the last...(tho im not sure of the killing thing though....WATCH OUT LI! SHE'S GOING TO KILL YOU!) ^.^ just jokes you know how I am.
^.^ - awwww I hope your stomach got better! this chappie should make things more settling...hahah thx for the review, it means alot!
Hill- Thanks for adding your review! did I make you wait too long? *probably doesn't even cum back* WAHHHHHH! HAHA jk please enjoy!
Star96- You said it ahah I'm kinda growin on this story. Don't think it's up to Kool yet but we'll see...hahah Thx!!! ^_^
Dragonia-Darkwood- haha hey! to answer your questions....don't worry her dad was still talking to Touya and never got around to check up on Sakura, and..........well anyways you'll see..;P and also I kinda think its better that Emike isn't all that great too cause the way I see it is that if Emike was just as nice as Sakura and in the end she did end up with Li *juss sayin....maybe she won't* wouldn't you feel bad for Emike? and vice versa for Sakura if Emike ended up with Li? but then again maybe that isn't what I'm planning...hehe never know...I'M THE MASTERMIND HAH *ahem* anyways Emike isn't all that mean either, you'll see..^.^ Thx for the review! good questions! haha
mizutenshiai- wahhh! it is so sad....hah I definitely agree, enjoy this next chapter, I assure you it'll be more relaxing
bluetoast- Thanks thats what I've been wanting to hear for so long.
liz- haha well I adore my fans too haha I tried to get this chapter out as soon as I could! thx luv ya!
MegamiNoHikari- I was kinda freaked out as I was writing too....It's like my fingers were moving but my brain wasn't thinking.....*probably thinks you're a freak now...nice job* anyways I've updated *no duh einstein* hope you enjoy! ^.^ *smile and she'll think you're normal....*
lildrummergirl23- thanks! I try to be as original as possible ;p in all modesty of course....hehe well I got this chapter as soon as I could. ENJOY!
Cherry-Blossom-Sakura4- It is heart wrenching! I went through it again and I was so sad after!!! I SWEAR hahah *thinks...Shuddup before she thinks you're an idiot for crying at your own story..*THANKS FOR THE REVIEW!
lilazngurl- haha well I guess if it's any constillation prize I'm still happy to know I didn't make you cry your eyeballs out haha did I make you wait long? if I did sorry....*she doesn't believe you probably* oh well... haha plz enjoy!!!thx for the review, did I mention it means alot? haha
Sakura-Blossom-Cilla-85:P- awwww you're so nice!!!! though don't cry too hard ^.^ and try not to feel too bad for Sakura :) I'm sure she'll be fine u_u can't stop making faces haha :P thx for the review, I loved it!!!!
Sakura Li 2389-Magic!!!! that's how they'll get together... hahah that is if they do get together.....*your giving everything away!!! shuddup!!!!* oops haha anyways like I told others before....Emike isn't all that bad....you'll see why ^.^ *Shuddup, you're doin it again!!!* wow I can't control myself haha but don't worry things will work out, it's just all the tension....hehe well I updated as soon as I could THX!
kawaii neko- haha thx I loved your review!!!! it was so encouraging ;) Hopefully it'll thicken sum more by the end of this chappie haha did I mention I loved your review? I kept readin it over and over hahah just to make sure it was real ^_^ *great now she thinks I'm a nutcase....* THX anyways plz enjoy the next chapter!!!! hehe
horselady- Hey horselady! how's it goin? Thanks for that fab review!!! I loved it haha did you wait really long? I'm sorry!!!! haha hopefully this chapter won't make you cry. awww is my story really your favourite? omg thats means so much haha well if you're still waiting heres the long awaited chapter...*blame it all on the homework lady* ENJOY!!!!!!!
KristiexxNguyen-YEA!!!! another great compliment!!!!!! THX SO MUCH!! you don't know how much this means to me. Then again a girl can never get tired of too many compliments haha ^.^ were you really searching for this story? and wow... does this story really get you into ccs again?! whaaaaaaa!!!! that's such a nice thing to say, omg I'm goin to start crying like for real....*wow I sounded like a valleygurl for a second there....* hope you got my email and enjoy this chapter!!!!! I can't get over what you said.....THAT'S SOO NICE!!!!! luv YA!!
Jhs Rockerbaby-I'm so sorry I made you wait for so long!!!!!This story will definitely get happier just for you hmmm k? haha Thx for the review!!!!* add you in my good people list* hahaHAH thx!!
sally- hey!!!!! thx for giving writing that great review!!!! I'm sure you have better things to do haha :p anyways......I hope you like this next chapter!! thx for stayin with this fic for so long!!!! You're the best!!
QTKawaii25- OMG!!! thanks so much!!!!!! the bomb!! wow never been called that before ;) hope you got my email and enjoy this next one!!! wow the bomb....haha I like it @-@
yingfacherryblossom-hahah WILL Li know the difference? we'll see won't we? haha don't worry I'm sure it'll be answered soon -_- thx for the review!!! all the best ^.^
Kristi-Yea it really has been a while eh? haha sorry! hope you enjoy this chapter!!! that is if you're still interested.....hehe THX!
Cherry-SweetHeart-Well its great that someone likes my writing.....hahaha THX your review was great, such a nice thing to say!!!!updated as soon as I could!!! *I've said that like a million times now haha* YOUR THE BEST!!!! haha
anonymous- hey! don't worry I did what you asked....after a long period of time though haha sorry if you're still waiting.....^.^ and thx for writing to me to encourage me on!!!! haha
Mari- I'm so sorry!!!! I didn't even realize there were any spaces!!!trust me I didn't make them..0_o *grumbles...so mad at myself* I fixed it so if you wanted to go over it you can. I'M SO SORRY!!!!! hope it didn't bother you too much @-@ thx for tellinh me though or else I would never have known ; ) please enjoy this next chapter, I've doubled checked just in case hahah THX!!!!!
Okay well you guys thats all *phew* but don't worry it was all worth it!! I swear you guys are the best ever! ^_^ so encouraging haha. I loved the reviews and the constructive critiscm, you guys are sooooo nice!!! I can't get over it hehe sorry for making you wait for so long...AGAIN hah hopefully it'll be worth the wait.....THANKS FOR THE REVIEWS!!!! now on with the story!!!!!
`A love before time '
Eriol smiled to himself, satisfied with the night. Who'd have thought quiet, little Tomoyo would catch the eye of the great Eriol? and better yet she liked him too! He was going to have to spend a little more quality time with the blue eyed girl.
She wasn't like regular girls, when he was with her he felt relaxed though he could easily tell the young girl was not. He chuckled to himself at how shy she got around him. And she listened to him!Not many girls paid attention to what he had to say. They just spent time with him so the next day they could tell Meilin they got to him. No that wasn't his Tomoyo. She didn't nod her head mindlessly at whatever he said. Sometimes she would even summon enough courage to give her opinion of the topic. Ahhhh Tomoyo.
Eriol's head snapped up from the novel he wasn't really reading anyways. He silently bounced off his bed and peeked out the door. What the??!!!
Sakura?! what was she doing out so late? He glanced down at his watch. 1:37. He studied her in complete silence as he watched her walk back and forth down the hall, once in awhile stopping at the top of the stairs and frowning as if she was unsure if she could go down them or not.
After a while Sakura sat down on the first flight of stairs. When Eriol realized she wasn't going anywhere he joined her.
"Hey beautiful, why you up?" the whole hall was lit pretty dim though he could tell she was between the properties of dispaired and angry.
Sakura waited a few moments before looking Eriol in the eye. "I need somewhere to sleep?"
"Sleep?!" he almost laughed out loud but he held it in, knowing it would just anger her further. "What happened to your room?"
"I can't sleep in there."
Danger seeped through Eriol suddenly. "Why not?" he demanded, immediately relowering his voice when Sakura glanced around to see if anyone woke. "Did someone go into your room?"
Sakura thought about how she would answer, and instead she asked "Are there any empty rooms? I'll return back to mine tomorrow so grandma won't know the difference."
Eriol stared at Sakura. "Sakura if something's bothering you-"
"No I'm fine." she cut in. "It's just cold. The windows need to be fixed." she held her breath waiting for a reply.
Eriol shook his head wearily and finally gave in. "Okay, I'll put you in the room beside me and your brothers. How about that?"
Sakura gave Eriol a weak smile. "Thanks, you're the best."
"Glad you finally realized that, beautiful." he lifted her up gently amazed at how much weight she had lost. He was going to have to spend more time with her and not just Tomoyo. He wondered why he hadn't done so earlier. Her being grounded had put them so far apart.
He swore to himself under his breath as they sauntered into the empty room. Hadn't she been eating? Why the hell was she so pale?! he grumbled all the way to the bed when she climbed in with slow resignation.
Pulling the covers up to her chin she gave Eriol a quick glance before turning away from him. "Good night Eriol"
"Good night beautiful." he sighed. He scoured the room, making sure there was nothing in it besides Sakura, before closing the door.
Li seemed to flash in almost instantly. He watched Sakura move around, almost as if settling into a more comfortable position. He sighed and straddled a chair beside the bed, making sure he could see the girl's expression at all times. If he saw she was in any sort of stress he would wake her. The next meeting they had in the past would make it clear to Li what Sakura wanted.
~ Past Events ~
Sakura sighed and glanced around the room without looking to suspicious. It was some sort of dance like ball. To the right fine, tall men cluttered together. All casually chatting in their well tailored suits. To the left, more people then Sakura could count were giggling festivally, drinking champagne. Men spoke with the women and she even saw a man nip flirteously in a young lady's ear. To the centre, Sakura was overwhelmed with the amount of people dancing to a slow waltz. Their ryhthmic movements kept her dazed for a while. Frilly skirts swished this way and that. Coat tails sweeping the ground and completely in sway with their partners. Right at the far end, though she couldn't see very well, she could hear the soft playing of an orchaestra filling the room with its warm, soothing music.
A soft sound came from her own mouth as she rose and was suddenly unusually happy. Maybe it was because everyone else was all so pleasant and kind. She didn't know, but the whole environment made her feel serenely calm and safe. Not as safe as when she was around Li but safe enough for her to feel comfortable. Now all she had to do was keep acting like Emike and spot Li.
It wasn't very hard to track him, for his dark hair stood out and his forced out laughter rung in the air. he saw her rise from the chair and before Sakura could even manage a greeting he yanked her by the arm and out of the cheerful room. Outside in the main room it was dank.
"Didn't I tell you to stay still?" he growled his words out so harshly at her she took a step away from him. He noticed this and his eyes narrowed. "I will not have you ruin this party Emike." his voice was softer now.
Sakura took in a deep breath and nodded obediantly. "I won't Li."
Li threw his head back and gave a loud shout of laughter. "Li? why do you use Li? do you not refer to me as Syaoran?"
Sakura tried to play shy and looked away from Li. "I did not think you wanted me to call you in such familiar ways."
"And this was since when?" he asked sardonically. He smiled when she didn't answer. He began to walk back into the ballroom.
"Li?"
"Now what?" he snarled.
"Where am I to go now?"
Li frowned and looked at Sakura. "You are asking me? well isn't that a first." his amusement faded when she didn't answer. "You may take part in the revelry but I will not allow you to flounce youself in public. Especially with that Simon around." he made a face.
Sakura's nose scrunched up. "Simon's here?"
Li glared at her so darkly Sakura's breath caught. "Of course he's here. You haven't taken your eyes off him the whole evening."
Her mouth dropped but quickly she looked away and nodded in compliance. She should've asked how Emike acted. Was she rude? shy? ugh what to do now?! Li's going to find out.
"What's wrong with you?" he suddenly asked, walking forward towards Sakura. "Are you ill?"
Sakura's eyes widened slightly remembering what had happened earlier in the future. "Please do not worry about me. I do not want to take you away from all those women waiting for a dance." she took another step away as he came closer. "Don't come any closer." she gasped silently.
His gaze flickered down her body. Sakura was not ignorant enough to stop a blush from rising to her cheeks.
"Did you want an escort back to the room?" he voice was still slightly resigned. He waited patiently for an answer. His eyes once in a while wandering back down her body.
"You'll allow me to go back in even if Simon occupies it?"
Li couldn't help but smile. that had sounded just like something his Sakura would have said and in exactly the same tone. "I'll trust your better judgement."
Sakura shrugged and cautiously took Li's arm. "What's the point of this ball?" she asked softly. "I mean why are you holding it?"
Li gave a her a quick check over. "Are you sure you aren't ill?" his voice was showing signs of weariness.
"Why do you keep asking?"
"Because this morning I told you that this ball was being held for our merger with Mr. Donovan" he said the name with disgust. "'s clan had been successful."
"Oh." was all she could say. "What merger was this?"
"We've been planning it for quite a while----are you sure you aren't ill?"
Sakura squeezed Li's arm as if she was warning him. "I am not sick." she stated slowly, treating him as an invalid. "Now answer the question." her worry of being too bold seeming to have vanished.
"It was your plan to unite our two clans as one Emike have you forgotten?"
"A..as one?" she was dumbfounded. "But why would you do that if you two are seperate clans to begin with?"
Sakura waited for an answer but he didn't reply. Actually all he appeared to be doing was staring at her, though her thoughts remained on the situation. She didn't even notice when Li pulled her along the side of the room.
Why would they make two clans into one? no one does that! Is Li's clan somehow falling apart so in order to make it stronger he had to unite with Simon's? No. Even if that was the case, Li would never stoop to that level and merge, especially with Simon. He hated that man. Now and in the future, so why? Wait...he had said it was my idea, Emike's idea! what was that girl up to? she wanted to marry Li but then she was playing with fire when she was with Simon...ugh! and why was Li listening to her? this is so confusing!
Sakura snapped out of her thoughts as Li placed a warm hand behind the small of her back. Then in a swift movement Sakura found her own hands around his neck and she was slightly crushed against him. Her mouth gave out a silent gasp.
"I can't dance." she whispered in Li's ear, once she realized why she was in this foreign position. Awkwardly she tried to pull away, frowning when Li's firm grip wouldn't allow it.
"Li?"
"Hmmm?" he sounded so relaxed as he gently placed his chin on her head.
"You aren't angry?" she found her own feet moving with his, and as easily as if she had done this since she was born.
"At what?" his frustration was growing, she could tell.
"Weren't you mad at me a second ago?"
"I thought you wanted to talk." he lifted her face so he could study it. "This is the best way without being interrupted."
Sakura blinked a few times. The man thought of everything.
"Will you answer my question now Li?"
He sighed in disbelief. " You pointed out the idea and I thought it had potential."
"Potential?!" There were no words to express her emotions at that moment, though there was a fine line between pure terror and helpless fascination. "Why are you doing this? why does this idea have potential? you two are different clans, with different customs! how can you even consider of doing this?"
"Your tired, I'll accompany you up to your room." he placed a light hand on her left shoulder and urged her back outside.
"Don't dissmiss the question Li."
"You don't need to understand Emike, you don't know what you're getting into." by now they had reached Emike's room. He swung the door open with ease and wisped Sakura in before she had the chance to complain.
"Go to bed, I don't want to get into this with you any further."
His suggestion was impossible "and what exactly are you getting yourself into?" she inquired disdainfully. Before the conversation went any further, she quickly thought it best to have some idea to keep Li somewhat interested, since he was surely losing patience.
"Nothing I can't handle I assure you."
Well that's just not good enough Sakura thought angrily in her head. She was going to have to figure things out quicker. But how to keep him in here? she was getting desperate by the time Li headed for the door.
"Good night Emike."
"No!"
Li stopped in his tracks though he didn't allow himself to look at her. His hands were clumped into fists. "Go to sleep Emike." his tone of voice left no room for disobedience.
"I'm not tired yet. I want to talk for just a moment longer. Please?"
Li let out a gusty breath and rolled his eyes like a child would have. "I do not have time, I have to return."
"Well then I want to go back too." Sakura declared. "I can't fall asleep either way." she forced herself to sit on the ground, her legs folding under her.
Li glared at the young girl and ran his right hand through his messy hair. "Geezes." he closed the door, grabbed a pillow from Emike's bed and plopped himself on the ground, leaning against the bed post.
Sakura smiled sadly. He still held a spot, however small for his Emike. Too bad this was the way it was going to be. She wished they could've stayed like this a little longer. It was nice. If only they could've had conversations like this. Him, just a reach away and in his arrogant position even as he gave in to her commands.
"What do you want to talk about? hurry up." his impatience made Sakura think about the Li in the future. She kept forgetting they were the same person.
"Well I don't think we've ever talked much about our past."
"No we haven't." he agreed. "You never liked to."
"Oh." she was going to have to be more careful. "Well I think now's a better time than any." she tried to smile as cheerfully as she could.
"What do you want to know about?"
Sakura felt so relieved when he didn't begin to ask her any questions. She moved closer to Li, unaware of what she was doing.
"Do you have any brother or sisters?"
"No, you should know that by now."
"hahahhaa I knew that." She was going to have to be more specific in her questions. She took in a sharp breath when he cocked his eyebrow.
"Li?"
"Hmmm?"
"Are you mad at me?"
His eyes narrowed. "No."
She took in a deep breath, ready to ask the question before it was going to be too late."Why am I still here Li? Why is the wedding off? Why do you allow me to stay here?" her voice seemed to have lodged in her throat.
After what seemed to have been an eternity, he answered "I have my reasons." his eyes locked with her own.
"It's not because of Sakura is it?"
Li's eyes widened. They seemed to be growing darker by the minute. "How do you know about Sakura?"
"I heard the workers talking." she relaxed when the lie came out quite smoothly.
"And what else have you heard?" he rose from sitting and Sakura was overhelmed by his shadow looming over her. Like lightning she got up to her feet too, though he still managed to stand over her.
"Nothing except for the fact she's the reason why you are keeping me here."
Li said nothing.
"Answer me truthfully Li. If it was up you would you have already put me out on the streets?"
"No."
"Why?"
Li lowered his gaze but didn't say anything.
"What if I told you she won't be coming back?" she tried to sound as sincere as possible.
His hands suddenly clamped on her shoulders. "How do you know that?" his voice was filled with so much hurt Sakura found herself showing the same emotions.
She hadn't meant to cause him any pain. She stood frozen.
I don't know if I can do this. I cc...c..can't.
"Tell me!" his voice thundered. "How can you know something like that?!"
She had never seen him like this. He looked so betrayed. So tense. So angry. Her eyes searched his.
"I'm sorry." she found herself whisper so silently she could barely hear herself and for a while nothing was, until Sakura thought she was going to explode.
Don't feel sorry for him Sakura. He loves Emike, he just doesn't know it yet. If he forgets about her he'll die again and that's just not going to happen. He has no right to be angry right now. I'm the one whose going to lose the man I love. He? he's going to get the woman he wants. Oh yeah that's right, just suck it up Li.
"Li? how can I make you believe that you don't want Sakura?"
Li seemed to have regained his control. "I know what I want. Sakura." his voice was very calm. He kept looking at her. His eyes seemed to have been lit on fire. She had never seen him like this.
"You haven't called the wedding off yet."
"No I haven't." he looked like he was trying to hold his emotions in now. The planes on his face were hard. That vein she had seen before was back now.
"Then we're getting married?"
"Yes we are." Out of nowhere he snatched Sakura up and held her in a tight embrace. One minute he was taunt with anger and the next he was holding her like he never wanted to let go. Sakura heard him swear softly under his breath, then mumbled something she couldn't make out.
Sakura didn't know how she should have felt. It felt so right in his arms. No other word to describe it. And did she hear him right? he wanted to get married? was she supposed to be happy? she didn't expect this. Actually it was the last thing she thought would happen. She had done her job. Li had fallen back in love with Emike. What to do with her life now?
Ahhhhh wow I'm sorry you guys but I'm going to end here okay? I'm writing the next chapter already so you don't have to worry!!! wow!!wow!! even I want to know what happens next. This is crazy man hah 0_0 I mean does he really want to marry Emike? and I wanna know whats happening in the future!! wheres future Emike at? Sakura's dad? future Li? what are they all gonna think? then theres grandmother Trinity......ahhhh I need to know what going to happen!! *says darkly* DOES THIS MEAN SAKURA WILL END UP WITH THE DREADED SIMON? or will she end up alone?? ^.^ I know you guys might be confused because of all these questions that still need to be unraveled but have no fear!!!! I will answer all these questions soon. *REMEMBER....I KNOW HOW IT WILL END!! THE STORY IS JUST BEGINNING......... -silent wanderer
Ps. sorry it was so short. The next chapter will compensate for all that, no worries!!!!!! ;p (so tired now hehe arigato you guys!!! I love the reviews!! Thanks! ^_^ )
*here are the singular responses I owed you ^-^ Thx you guys really are the best!
sprout- I tried to get this next chappie out as soon as possible, sorry for making you wait for so long! ^.^ Thanks!
Lugia-mew- you didn't cry did you? awwww thx that means so much to me.
AnimeObsessionFantasy- Yea Li did realize it didn't he? haha do ya think he thinks Sakura doesn't feel the same? it's so sad... o_0
Skylover- HEY!!! ahah you did comment a lot, I've noticed....THANKS! love ya!! u_@ your reviews in the past have been great and I appreciate them.
Shinsei Kokoro- do you really think my story is very good? *Kicks at the ground in modesty u_u* thx!
Geminikika1- HAHA *ahem* seems like it doesn't it? but maybe it won't end up that way...after all you can't predict the future...Thx for the review in the mean time!!!
kimi-chan- Yea! so there are poeple in this world who aren't DEAD PANS! woohoo...yes well I'm sure there are many others out there just like you *looks around* hope you enjoy this chapter ;P
Di- Hey what's up? guess you arent dead inside either haha not that I thought you were...anyways thx for the review LOVED IT! hope this next one lives up to your standards! 0_o
Yuki-rabbit- short and sweet, thx for the review and perhaps you'll like this chapter as much as the next! *hopefully* this one should be more calming haha.
christina- I hope I didn't take too long...blame it all on the homework *grumbles* no free time I swear! haha good to know you like the story though cause I sure love your reviews!
Corrine- Hey my fan! you're the best! awww am I really one of your favourite authors? that's is so nice!!!! you are definitely one of those people who keep me motivated in my writing! plz enjoy ;)
DespitefulSaint- IT IS SO SAD!! wahhhhh *SLAP* whew...back in control :p hope you find what you're looking for in this chappie!
Dragonstar03- Geez I know eh? GET IT ALL TOGETHER LI!!!!! *that man needs to get his priorities straight...* ya know you love her...go after HER!!!!! haha hopefully he will tho Dragonstar03 ^.^ keep your fingers crossed!
loveangelli- wow....HAHA! now that's what you call anger! yes, let it all out girl! ;) Emike is uhh..how do you put this? a bb..b..*sounds it out* bb...ba..baaa..d person isn't she? *Is this place censored?* oh well this chapter should make you happier! hope you still find my story interesting even if you hate this Emike person so much! haha @_@ thx for the review! love ya
Season sweetheart- Do you really think the story is getting better?! *YEA!!!!!* I'll try to make the chapters longer don't worry ;) Syaoran...hehe he is kinda ho...*ahem get yourself together* this chapter should very much please you I think...haha thx!
Drunken Little Monkey- Love the name! haha who wouldn't...thx for the review and hopefully you'll like this chapter u_@
Shima and Tempis- hehe how you doin? great that you've followed my story for so long! ya think vegeta and Li are alike? haha kinda I guess I see the likeness 0_o and yes Sakura does have to go through a lot of crap! *beat LI up!* but then all you guys seem to like Li a lot so I won't risk it...hah thx!
sheryl v- Hey!!! I loved your review!!! probably more than you love my story haha and I'm sorry for making you wait for so long!!! forgive me!!!! haha GOMEN!
lilazngrl4lyf89-Favour granted! haha hope this story is to your liking! hopefully you'll have the same reaction as the last...(tho im not sure of the killing thing though....WATCH OUT LI! SHE'S GOING TO KILL YOU!) ^.^ just jokes you know how I am.
^.^ - awwww I hope your stomach got better! this chappie should make things more settling...hahah thx for the review, it means alot!
Hill- Thanks for adding your review! did I make you wait too long? *probably doesn't even cum back* WAHHHHHH! HAHA jk please enjoy!
Star96- You said it ahah I'm kinda growin on this story. Don't think it's up to Kool yet but we'll see...hahah Thx!!! ^_^
Dragonia-Darkwood- haha hey! to answer your questions....don't worry her dad was still talking to Touya and never got around to check up on Sakura, and..........well anyways you'll see..;P and also I kinda think its better that Emike isn't all that great too cause the way I see it is that if Emike was just as nice as Sakura and in the end she did end up with Li *juss sayin....maybe she won't* wouldn't you feel bad for Emike? and vice versa for Sakura if Emike ended up with Li? but then again maybe that isn't what I'm planning...hehe never know...I'M THE MASTERMIND HAH *ahem* anyways Emike isn't all that mean either, you'll see..^.^ Thx for the review! good questions! haha
mizutenshiai- wahhh! it is so sad....hah I definitely agree, enjoy this next chapter, I assure you it'll be more relaxing
bluetoast- Thanks thats what I've been wanting to hear for so long.
liz- haha well I adore my fans too haha I tried to get this chapter out as soon as I could! thx luv ya!
MegamiNoHikari- I was kinda freaked out as I was writing too....It's like my fingers were moving but my brain wasn't thinking.....*probably thinks you're a freak now...nice job* anyways I've updated *no duh einstein* hope you enjoy! ^.^ *smile and she'll think you're normal....*
lildrummergirl23- thanks! I try to be as original as possible ;p in all modesty of course....hehe well I got this chapter as soon as I could. ENJOY!
Cherry-Blossom-Sakura4- It is heart wrenching! I went through it again and I was so sad after!!! I SWEAR hahah *thinks...Shuddup before she thinks you're an idiot for crying at your own story..*THANKS FOR THE REVIEW!
lilazngurl- haha well I guess if it's any constillation prize I'm still happy to know I didn't make you cry your eyeballs out haha did I make you wait long? if I did sorry....*she doesn't believe you probably* oh well... haha plz enjoy!!!thx for the review, did I mention it means alot? haha
Sakura-Blossom-Cilla-85:P- awwww you're so nice!!!! though don't cry too hard ^.^ and try not to feel too bad for Sakura :) I'm sure she'll be fine u_u can't stop making faces haha :P thx for the review, I loved it!!!!
Sakura Li 2389-Magic!!!! that's how they'll get together... hahah that is if they do get together.....*your giving everything away!!! shuddup!!!!* oops haha anyways like I told others before....Emike isn't all that bad....you'll see why ^.^ *Shuddup, you're doin it again!!!* wow I can't control myself haha but don't worry things will work out, it's just all the tension....hehe well I updated as soon as I could THX!
kawaii neko- haha thx I loved your review!!!! it was so encouraging ;) Hopefully it'll thicken sum more by the end of this chappie haha did I mention I loved your review? I kept readin it over and over hahah just to make sure it was real ^_^ *great now she thinks I'm a nutcase....* THX anyways plz enjoy the next chapter!!!! hehe
horselady- Hey horselady! how's it goin? Thanks for that fab review!!! I loved it haha did you wait really long? I'm sorry!!!! haha hopefully this chapter won't make you cry. awww is my story really your favourite? omg thats means so much haha well if you're still waiting heres the long awaited chapter...*blame it all on the homework lady* ENJOY!!!!!!!
KristiexxNguyen-YEA!!!! another great compliment!!!!!! THX SO MUCH!! you don't know how much this means to me. Then again a girl can never get tired of too many compliments haha ^.^ were you really searching for this story? and wow... does this story really get you into ccs again?! whaaaaaaa!!!! that's such a nice thing to say, omg I'm goin to start crying like for real....*wow I sounded like a valleygurl for a second there....* hope you got my email and enjoy this chapter!!!!! I can't get over what you said.....THAT'S SOO NICE!!!!! luv YA!!
Jhs Rockerbaby-I'm so sorry I made you wait for so long!!!!!This story will definitely get happier just for you hmmm k? haha Thx for the review!!!!* add you in my good people list* hahaHAH thx!!
sally- hey!!!!! thx for giving writing that great review!!!! I'm sure you have better things to do haha :p anyways......I hope you like this next chapter!! thx for stayin with this fic for so long!!!! You're the best!!
QTKawaii25- OMG!!! thanks so much!!!!!! the bomb!! wow never been called that before ;) hope you got my email and enjoy this next one!!! wow the bomb....haha I like it @-@
yingfacherryblossom-hahah WILL Li know the difference? we'll see won't we? haha don't worry I'm sure it'll be answered soon -_- thx for the review!!! all the best ^.^
Kristi-Yea it really has been a while eh? haha sorry! hope you enjoy this chapter!!! that is if you're still interested.....hehe THX!
Cherry-SweetHeart-Well its great that someone likes my writing.....hahaha THX your review was great, such a nice thing to say!!!!updated as soon as I could!!! *I've said that like a million times now haha* YOUR THE BEST!!!! haha
anonymous- hey! don't worry I did what you asked....after a long period of time though haha sorry if you're still waiting.....^.^ and thx for writing to me to encourage me on!!!! haha
Mari- I'm so sorry!!!! I didn't even realize there were any spaces!!!trust me I didn't make them..0_o *grumbles...so mad at myself* I fixed it so if you wanted to go over it you can. I'M SO SORRY!!!!! hope it didn't bother you too much @-@ thx for tellinh me though or else I would never have known ; ) please enjoy this next chapter, I've doubled checked just in case hahah THX!!!!!
Okay well you guys thats all *phew* but don't worry it was all worth it!! I swear you guys are the best ever! ^_^ so encouraging haha. I loved the reviews and the constructive critiscm, you guys are sooooo nice!!! I can't get over it hehe sorry for making you wait for so long...AGAIN hah hopefully it'll be worth the wait.....THANKS FOR THE REVIEWS!!!! now on with the story!!!!!
`A love before time '
Eriol smiled to himself, satisfied with the night. Who'd have thought quiet, little Tomoyo would catch the eye of the great Eriol? and better yet she liked him too! He was going to have to spend a little more quality time with the blue eyed girl.
She wasn't like regular girls, when he was with her he felt relaxed though he could easily tell the young girl was not. He chuckled to himself at how shy she got around him. And she listened to him!Not many girls paid attention to what he had to say. They just spent time with him so the next day they could tell Meilin they got to him. No that wasn't his Tomoyo. She didn't nod her head mindlessly at whatever he said. Sometimes she would even summon enough courage to give her opinion of the topic. Ahhhh Tomoyo.
Eriol's head snapped up from the novel he wasn't really reading anyways. He silently bounced off his bed and peeked out the door. What the??!!!
Sakura?! what was she doing out so late? He glanced down at his watch. 1:37. He studied her in complete silence as he watched her walk back and forth down the hall, once in awhile stopping at the top of the stairs and frowning as if she was unsure if she could go down them or not.
After a while Sakura sat down on the first flight of stairs. When Eriol realized she wasn't going anywhere he joined her.
"Hey beautiful, why you up?" the whole hall was lit pretty dim though he could tell she was between the properties of dispaired and angry.
Sakura waited a few moments before looking Eriol in the eye. "I need somewhere to sleep?"
"Sleep?!" he almost laughed out loud but he held it in, knowing it would just anger her further. "What happened to your room?"
"I can't sleep in there."
Danger seeped through Eriol suddenly. "Why not?" he demanded, immediately relowering his voice when Sakura glanced around to see if anyone woke. "Did someone go into your room?"
Sakura thought about how she would answer, and instead she asked "Are there any empty rooms? I'll return back to mine tomorrow so grandma won't know the difference."
Eriol stared at Sakura. "Sakura if something's bothering you-"
"No I'm fine." she cut in. "It's just cold. The windows need to be fixed." she held her breath waiting for a reply.
Eriol shook his head wearily and finally gave in. "Okay, I'll put you in the room beside me and your brothers. How about that?"
Sakura gave Eriol a weak smile. "Thanks, you're the best."
"Glad you finally realized that, beautiful." he lifted her up gently amazed at how much weight she had lost. He was going to have to spend more time with her and not just Tomoyo. He wondered why he hadn't done so earlier. Her being grounded had put them so far apart.
He swore to himself under his breath as they sauntered into the empty room. Hadn't she been eating? Why the hell was she so pale?! he grumbled all the way to the bed when she climbed in with slow resignation.
Pulling the covers up to her chin she gave Eriol a quick glance before turning away from him. "Good night Eriol"
"Good night beautiful." he sighed. He scoured the room, making sure there was nothing in it besides Sakura, before closing the door.
Li seemed to flash in almost instantly. He watched Sakura move around, almost as if settling into a more comfortable position. He sighed and straddled a chair beside the bed, making sure he could see the girl's expression at all times. If he saw she was in any sort of stress he would wake her. The next meeting they had in the past would make it clear to Li what Sakura wanted.
~ Past Events ~
Sakura sighed and glanced around the room without looking to suspicious. It was some sort of dance like ball. To the right fine, tall men cluttered together. All casually chatting in their well tailored suits. To the left, more people then Sakura could count were giggling festivally, drinking champagne. Men spoke with the women and she even saw a man nip flirteously in a young lady's ear. To the centre, Sakura was overwhelmed with the amount of people dancing to a slow waltz. Their ryhthmic movements kept her dazed for a while. Frilly skirts swished this way and that. Coat tails sweeping the ground and completely in sway with their partners. Right at the far end, though she couldn't see very well, she could hear the soft playing of an orchaestra filling the room with its warm, soothing music.
A soft sound came from her own mouth as she rose and was suddenly unusually happy. Maybe it was because everyone else was all so pleasant and kind. She didn't know, but the whole environment made her feel serenely calm and safe. Not as safe as when she was around Li but safe enough for her to feel comfortable. Now all she had to do was keep acting like Emike and spot Li.
It wasn't very hard to track him, for his dark hair stood out and his forced out laughter rung in the air. he saw her rise from the chair and before Sakura could even manage a greeting he yanked her by the arm and out of the cheerful room. Outside in the main room it was dank.
"Didn't I tell you to stay still?" he growled his words out so harshly at her she took a step away from him. He noticed this and his eyes narrowed. "I will not have you ruin this party Emike." his voice was softer now.
Sakura took in a deep breath and nodded obediantly. "I won't Li."
Li threw his head back and gave a loud shout of laughter. "Li? why do you use Li? do you not refer to me as Syaoran?"
Sakura tried to play shy and looked away from Li. "I did not think you wanted me to call you in such familiar ways."
"And this was since when?" he asked sardonically. He smiled when she didn't answer. He began to walk back into the ballroom.
"Li?"
"Now what?" he snarled.
"Where am I to go now?"
Li frowned and looked at Sakura. "You are asking me? well isn't that a first." his amusement faded when she didn't answer. "You may take part in the revelry but I will not allow you to flounce youself in public. Especially with that Simon around." he made a face.
Sakura's nose scrunched up. "Simon's here?"
Li glared at her so darkly Sakura's breath caught. "Of course he's here. You haven't taken your eyes off him the whole evening."
Her mouth dropped but quickly she looked away and nodded in compliance. She should've asked how Emike acted. Was she rude? shy? ugh what to do now?! Li's going to find out.
"What's wrong with you?" he suddenly asked, walking forward towards Sakura. "Are you ill?"
Sakura's eyes widened slightly remembering what had happened earlier in the future. "Please do not worry about me. I do not want to take you away from all those women waiting for a dance." she took another step away as he came closer. "Don't come any closer." she gasped silently.
His gaze flickered down her body. Sakura was not ignorant enough to stop a blush from rising to her cheeks.
"Did you want an escort back to the room?" he voice was still slightly resigned. He waited patiently for an answer. His eyes once in a while wandering back down her body.
"You'll allow me to go back in even if Simon occupies it?"
Li couldn't help but smile. that had sounded just like something his Sakura would have said and in exactly the same tone. "I'll trust your better judgement."
Sakura shrugged and cautiously took Li's arm. "What's the point of this ball?" she asked softly. "I mean why are you holding it?"
Li gave a her a quick check over. "Are you sure you aren't ill?" his voice was showing signs of weariness.
"Why do you keep asking?"
"Because this morning I told you that this ball was being held for our merger with Mr. Donovan" he said the name with disgust. "'s clan had been successful."
"Oh." was all she could say. "What merger was this?"
"We've been planning it for quite a while----are you sure you aren't ill?"
Sakura squeezed Li's arm as if she was warning him. "I am not sick." she stated slowly, treating him as an invalid. "Now answer the question." her worry of being too bold seeming to have vanished.
"It was your plan to unite our two clans as one Emike have you forgotten?"
"A..as one?" she was dumbfounded. "But why would you do that if you two are seperate clans to begin with?"
Sakura waited for an answer but he didn't reply. Actually all he appeared to be doing was staring at her, though her thoughts remained on the situation. She didn't even notice when Li pulled her along the side of the room.
Why would they make two clans into one? no one does that! Is Li's clan somehow falling apart so in order to make it stronger he had to unite with Simon's? No. Even if that was the case, Li would never stoop to that level and merge, especially with Simon. He hated that man. Now and in the future, so why? Wait...he had said it was my idea, Emike's idea! what was that girl up to? she wanted to marry Li but then she was playing with fire when she was with Simon...ugh! and why was Li listening to her? this is so confusing!
Sakura snapped out of her thoughts as Li placed a warm hand behind the small of her back. Then in a swift movement Sakura found her own hands around his neck and she was slightly crushed against him. Her mouth gave out a silent gasp.
"I can't dance." she whispered in Li's ear, once she realized why she was in this foreign position. Awkwardly she tried to pull away, frowning when Li's firm grip wouldn't allow it.
"Li?"
"Hmmm?" he sounded so relaxed as he gently placed his chin on her head.
"You aren't angry?" she found her own feet moving with his, and as easily as if she had done this since she was born.
"At what?" his frustration was growing, she could tell.
"Weren't you mad at me a second ago?"
"I thought you wanted to talk." he lifted her face so he could study it. "This is the best way without being interrupted."
Sakura blinked a few times. The man thought of everything.
"Will you answer my question now Li?"
He sighed in disbelief. " You pointed out the idea and I thought it had potential."
"Potential?!" There were no words to express her emotions at that moment, though there was a fine line between pure terror and helpless fascination. "Why are you doing this? why does this idea have potential? you two are different clans, with different customs! how can you even consider of doing this?"
"Your tired, I'll accompany you up to your room." he placed a light hand on her left shoulder and urged her back outside.
"Don't dissmiss the question Li."
"You don't need to understand Emike, you don't know what you're getting into." by now they had reached Emike's room. He swung the door open with ease and wisped Sakura in before she had the chance to complain.
"Go to bed, I don't want to get into this with you any further."
His suggestion was impossible "and what exactly are you getting yourself into?" she inquired disdainfully. Before the conversation went any further, she quickly thought it best to have some idea to keep Li somewhat interested, since he was surely losing patience.
"Nothing I can't handle I assure you."
Well that's just not good enough Sakura thought angrily in her head. She was going to have to figure things out quicker. But how to keep him in here? she was getting desperate by the time Li headed for the door.
"Good night Emike."
"No!"
Li stopped in his tracks though he didn't allow himself to look at her. His hands were clumped into fists. "Go to sleep Emike." his tone of voice left no room for disobedience.
"I'm not tired yet. I want to talk for just a moment longer. Please?"
Li let out a gusty breath and rolled his eyes like a child would have. "I do not have time, I have to return."
"Well then I want to go back too." Sakura declared. "I can't fall asleep either way." she forced herself to sit on the ground, her legs folding under her.
Li glared at the young girl and ran his right hand through his messy hair. "Geezes." he closed the door, grabbed a pillow from Emike's bed and plopped himself on the ground, leaning against the bed post.
Sakura smiled sadly. He still held a spot, however small for his Emike. Too bad this was the way it was going to be. She wished they could've stayed like this a little longer. It was nice. If only they could've had conversations like this. Him, just a reach away and in his arrogant position even as he gave in to her commands.
"What do you want to talk about? hurry up." his impatience made Sakura think about the Li in the future. She kept forgetting they were the same person.
"Well I don't think we've ever talked much about our past."
"No we haven't." he agreed. "You never liked to."
"Oh." she was going to have to be more careful. "Well I think now's a better time than any." she tried to smile as cheerfully as she could.
"What do you want to know about?"
Sakura felt so relieved when he didn't begin to ask her any questions. She moved closer to Li, unaware of what she was doing.
"Do you have any brother or sisters?"
"No, you should know that by now."
"hahahhaa I knew that." She was going to have to be more specific in her questions. She took in a sharp breath when he cocked his eyebrow.
"Li?"
"Hmmm?"
"Are you mad at me?"
His eyes narrowed. "No."
She took in a deep breath, ready to ask the question before it was going to be too late."Why am I still here Li? Why is the wedding off? Why do you allow me to stay here?" her voice seemed to have lodged in her throat.
After what seemed to have been an eternity, he answered "I have my reasons." his eyes locked with her own.
"It's not because of Sakura is it?"
Li's eyes widened. They seemed to be growing darker by the minute. "How do you know about Sakura?"
"I heard the workers talking." she relaxed when the lie came out quite smoothly.
"And what else have you heard?" he rose from sitting and Sakura was overhelmed by his shadow looming over her. Like lightning she got up to her feet too, though he still managed to stand over her.
"Nothing except for the fact she's the reason why you are keeping me here."
Li said nothing.
"Answer me truthfully Li. If it was up you would you have already put me out on the streets?"
"No."
"Why?"
Li lowered his gaze but didn't say anything.
"What if I told you she won't be coming back?" she tried to sound as sincere as possible.
His hands suddenly clamped on her shoulders. "How do you know that?" his voice was filled with so much hurt Sakura found herself showing the same emotions.
She hadn't meant to cause him any pain. She stood frozen.
I don't know if I can do this. I cc...c..can't.
"Tell me!" his voice thundered. "How can you know something like that?!"
She had never seen him like this. He looked so betrayed. So tense. So angry. Her eyes searched his.
"I'm sorry." she found herself whisper so silently she could barely hear herself and for a while nothing was, until Sakura thought she was going to explode.
Don't feel sorry for him Sakura. He loves Emike, he just doesn't know it yet. If he forgets about her he'll die again and that's just not going to happen. He has no right to be angry right now. I'm the one whose going to lose the man I love. He? he's going to get the woman he wants. Oh yeah that's right, just suck it up Li.
"Li? how can I make you believe that you don't want Sakura?"
Li seemed to have regained his control. "I know what I want. Sakura." his voice was very calm. He kept looking at her. His eyes seemed to have been lit on fire. She had never seen him like this.
"You haven't called the wedding off yet."
"No I haven't." he looked like he was trying to hold his emotions in now. The planes on his face were hard. That vein she had seen before was back now.
"Then we're getting married?"
"Yes we are." Out of nowhere he snatched Sakura up and held her in a tight embrace. One minute he was taunt with anger and the next he was holding her like he never wanted to let go. Sakura heard him swear softly under his breath, then mumbled something she couldn't make out.
Sakura didn't know how she should have felt. It felt so right in his arms. No other word to describe it. And did she hear him right? he wanted to get married? was she supposed to be happy? she didn't expect this. Actually it was the last thing she thought would happen. She had done her job. Li had fallen back in love with Emike. What to do with her life now?
Ahhhhh wow I'm sorry you guys but I'm going to end here okay? I'm writing the next chapter already so you don't have to worry!!! wow!!wow!! even I want to know what happens next. This is crazy man hah 0_0 I mean does he really want to marry Emike? and I wanna know whats happening in the future!! wheres future Emike at? Sakura's dad? future Li? what are they all gonna think? then theres grandmother Trinity......ahhhh I need to know what going to happen!! *says darkly* DOES THIS MEAN SAKURA WILL END UP WITH THE DREADED SIMON? or will she end up alone?? ^.^ I know you guys might be confused because of all these questions that still need to be unraveled but have no fear!!!! I will answer all these questions soon. *REMEMBER....I KNOW HOW IT WILL END!! THE STORY IS JUST BEGINNING......... -silent wanderer
Ps. sorry it was so short. The next chapter will compensate for all that, no worries!!!!!! ;p (so tired now hehe arigato you guys!!! I love the reviews!! Thanks! ^_^ )